Diverticulosis (patient information)

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here

WikiDoc Resources for Diverticulosis (patient information)
Articles
Most recent articles on Diverticulosis (patient information) Most cited articles on Diverticulosis (patient information) Review articles on Diverticulosis (patient information) Articles on Diverticulosis (patient information) in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ
Media
Powerpoint slides on Diverticulosis (patient information) Images of Diverticulosis (patient information) Photos of Diverticulosis (patient information) Podcasts & MP3s on Diverticulosis (patient information) Videos on Diverticulosis (patient information)
Evidence Based Medicine
Cochrane Collaboration on Diverticulosis (patient information) Bandolier on Diverticulosis (patient information) TRIP on Diverticulosis (patient information)
Clinical Trials
Ongoing Trials on Diverticulosis (patient information) at Clinical Trials.gov Trial results on Diverticulosis (patient information) Clinical Trials on Diverticulosis (patient information) at Google
Guidelines / Policies / Govt
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Diverticulosis (patient information) NICE Guidance on Diverticulosis (patient information) NHS PRODIGY Guidance FDA on Diverticulosis (patient information) CDC on Diverticulosis (patient information)
Books
Books on Diverticulosis (patient information)
News
Diverticulosis (patient information) in the news Be alerted to news on Diverticulosis (patient information) News trends on Diverticulosis (patient information)
Commentary
Blogs on Diverticulosis (patient information)
Definitions
Definitions of Diverticulosis (patient information)
Patient Resources / Community
Patient resources on Diverticulosis (patient information) Discussion groups on Diverticulosis (patient information) Patient Handouts on Diverticulosis (patient information) Directions to Hospitals Treating Diverticulosis (patient information) Risk calculators and risk factors for Diverticulosis (patient information)
Healthcare Provider Resources
Symptoms of Diverticulosis (patient information) Causes & Risk Factors for Diverticulosis (patient information) Diagnostic studies for Diverticulosis (patient information) Treatment of Diverticulosis (patient information)
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
CME Programs on Diverticulosis (patient information)
International
Diverticulosis (patient information) en Espanol Diverticulosis (patient information) en Francais
Business
Diverticulosis (patient information) in the Marketplace Patents on Diverticulosis (patient information)
Experimental / Informatics
List of terms related to Diverticulosis (patient information)

Editor-in-Chief: Meagan E. Doherty

Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.

What is Diverticulosis?

Diverticulosis, is one of the two conditions that make up diverticular disease, which affects the colon. Diverticulosis occurs when pouches, called diverticula, form in the colon. These pouches bulge out like weak spots in a tire. The second condition, diverticulitis occurs if the pouches become inflamed and irritated.

What are the symptoms of Diverticulosis?

Many people don’t have symptoms accompanying diverticulosis,but some people may experience any combination of the following symptoms:

• cramping
• bloating
• constipation
• bleeding
• inflammation
• fistulas

If you are bleeding, bright red blood will pass through your rectum. The rectum is the end of the colon that connects to the anus. The rectum and anus are part of the gastrointestinal tract, which is the passage that food goes through. Rectal bleeding is usually painless, but it can be dangerous. You should see a doctor right away.

What are the causes of Diverticulosis?

Doctors are not sure what causes diverticular disease. Many think a diet low in fiber is the main cause. Fiber is a part of food that your body cannot digest. It is found in many fruits and vegetables. Fiber stays in the colon and absorbs water, which makes bowel movements easier to pass. Diets low in fiber may cause constipation, which occurs when stools are hard and difficult to pass. Constipation causes your muscles to strain when you pass stool. Straining may cause diverticula to form in the colon.

How to know you have Diverticulosis?

The doctor can test for diverticular disease many ways. A CT scan is the most common test used. The doctor will inject a liquid in a vein in your arm that better highlights your organs on x rays. You may be asked to drink liquid called barium instead of getting an injection. You are then placed in a large doughnut-shaped machine that takes x rays.

Other tests include

• Medical history (The doctor will ask about your health and symptoms such as pain. You will be asked about your bowel habits, diet, and any medications you take.)
• Blood test (This test can help detect infections)
• Stool sample. (This test may show bleeding in the digestive tract.)
• Digital rectal exam(The doctor will insert a gloved finger into your rectum to check for pain, bleeding, or a blockage.)
• X ray and barium enema (The doctor will insert liquid called barium in the large intestine through your anus. The anus is the opening where stool leaves the body. The barium makes the diverticula show up on an x ray.)
• Colonoscopy. (The doctor will insert a small tube through your anus. A tiny video camera is in the tube and will show if there are any pouches.)

Where to find medical care for Diverticulosis

Directions to Hospitals Treating Diverticulosis